Six finalists were selected in the semi-final of the Yundi Macao Young Musicians Competition, organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and Melco Crown Entertainment (MCE). The Grand Final is scheduled on July 31, Tuesday at Dom Pedro V Theatre. International piano maestro Yundi, as the Head Judge, will join two of the most respected musicians from Central and Shanghai Conservatory of Music to choose the winner. The concept of the Melco Crown Entertainment – Yundi Scholarship (the Scholarship), which will be awarded to the winner of the competition, originated in the Special 1st Anniversary Charity Show for the flagship entertainment resort of Melco Crown Entertainment, City of Dreams' entertainment centerpiece "House of Dancing Water". In the event, Melco Crown Entertainment announced the Scholarship, with the objective to support and promote Macao's development in music, arts and culture whilst providing opportunities and financial support for aspiring professional soloists to be coached at a world-renowned institution. The Yundi Macao Young Musicians Competition received a great number of applications after registration opened in April from numerous young local musicians of great talent. The semi-final took place on 23rd July, Monday, at the Dom Pedro V Theatre. The ten semi-finalists performed a compulsory piece live before the jury, who then selected as the finalists Choi Hio Lam (guzheng), Zhou Cheng Lam (cello), Su Fei Nga (violin), Cheong Hoi Leong (piano), Poon Ho Suet (piano) and Chan Sin (piano). In the final round, participants will again perform the same compulsory piece plus a full concert work of their choosing. This competition seeks to perpetuate the art of music, enabling local gifted musicians to develop their talent and promoting the local development of the musical arts and culture. MCE, whose key Corporate Social Responsibility pillar is to inspire young people of Macau to develop a passion for culture and arts, will award the winner the Scholarship in the amount of up to MOP 1 million, giving this excellent Macao musician the opportunity to further his or her studies in a world renowned institution, on the path to becoming a professional soloist.
